Citizens' Hose Company Public Information Officer Eugene Tucker said the fire was an exterior firefighting operation only because of the intensity of the fire and the partial collapse of the building. Moreover, tankers and engines were used to shuttle water to the blaze because of the location and lack of hydrants in the area.

Tucker said it took nearly 60 firefighters with 11 pieces of apparatus approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to bring the fire under control at 2:05 p.m. Captain Jonathan Rutledge, of Citizens' Hose Company, was in charge of the operation.

Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal B. Scott Bullock said in a release that the fire was caused by sparks/embers from metal cutting equipment igniting nearby combustible materials.

The fire cause heavy damage to the structure estimated at $85,000.

Tucker reports no injuries on the scene and firefighters remained in service for 3 hours and 11 minutes. Hartly Fire Company stood by at Citizens' Hose Company firehouse.